By grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast (Eph. 2:8-9).

Long-ago preacher, Phillips Brooks, defined grace as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. That’s not a bad definition, and it’s a good way to remember what grace is.

We are saved through faith that what God has spent for us, rather than what we have done for ourselves, makes us right with him. Our salvation is a gift of his mercy, not something we gain by merit.

As a result, no one may boast of their works before God, or claim that they are the reason God claims us. Instead, we live to show thanks to God for the salvation he provided at Christ’s expense.

What was Jesus’ expense of our salvation? He gave up heaven’s glory to come in humility, live in purity, suffer in agony, and rise in victory.

What are the riches we receive by faith in Christ’s provision? The forgiveness of our sin, the clothing of his righteousness, our adoption by his Father, and assurance of the heavenly blessings of bodies and relationships made perfect forever with him.

How do we respond to such GRACE? Not by boasting of our works, but by believing in Christ’s work so that we live grateful and joyous lives for him.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for providing your riches at Christ’s expense. May I never boast save in the provision of Christ, my Lord, so that faith in the gift of Jesus fills my life with the joy and power of your amazing grace!